India is reeling under a severe heatwave as temperatures soar across several states, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red, orange, and yellow alerts to warn the public and authorities. From Jharkhand and Telangana to Odisha and Maharashtra, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the hottest in recent years.
Jharkhand Sizzles with Record Temperatures
In Jharkhand, Daltonganj scorched at 43 degrees Celsius on April 23, making it the hottest location in the state and registering 2.2 degrees above the seasonal norm. Jamshedpur and Chaibasa followed closely with temperatures of 42.6 and 42.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. The Ranchi Meteorological Centre issued a yellow alert for Simdega, Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum, in effect until April 26. Even the state capital Ranchi is sweltering at 38.8 degrees Celsius, with the heatwave expected to persist over the southern and Santhal Pargana regions.
Telangana Under Red Alert as Northern Districts Scorch
Telangana is also grappling with extreme heat. Nizamabad recorded a scorching 45.3 degrees Celsius on April 23, the highest so far this season. Other districts like Adilabad, Nirmal, and Mancherial reported temperatures above 44 degrees. The IMD Hyderabad issued a red alert for several northern districts, warning of warm nights and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses across all age groups. Despite the punishing heat, Hyderabad city is expected to receive temporary relief in the form of rain and cloudy skies from April 24 to 26, with a yellow alert in place. However, no such relief is predicted for surrounding districts, where temperatures are likely to stay between 41 and 44 degrees Celsius until April 25.
Odisha and Maharashtra Face Unrelenting Heat
Odisha recorded the highest temperature in the country this week. Jharsuguda hit 46.2 degrees Celsius on April 22, a full 5 degrees above normal. In Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, the heatwave continues unabated. Chandrapur touched 45.8 degrees, Brahmapuri followed at 45.2, and Akola registered 44.8 degrees Celsius. These sustained high temperatures are affecting public health, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity.
Heatwave Set to Spread Across Northern and Central India
The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions will intensify and spread across central and northern India. Regions in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi are expected to experience a sharp rise in day temperatures. The IMD had earlier forecast that the summer of 2025 would see above-normal heatwave days, with some regions enduring heatwave spells lasting up to a week.
Precautions During Heatwave Season
1. Avoid peak heat hours: Stay indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM when temperatures are at their highest.
2. Dress appropriately: Wear light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing. Use hats, scarves, or umbrellas for sun protection.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), coconut water, or buttermilk to prevent dehydration.
4. Be aware of heat exhaustion symptoms: Watch for dizziness, fatigue, rapid pulse, nausea, or confusion, and seek medical help if symptoms occur.
5. Limit travel to high-alert regions: Avoid travel to areas currently under heatwave alerts like Jharkhand, Telangana, Vidarbha (Maharashtra), and Odisha.
6. Plan travel smartly: If travel is necessary, opt for early morning or late evening hours. Minimize direct exposure to the sun during the day.
(With inputs from agencies)
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